Logisim for Mac, and the other circuit simulators that run on a Mac
Logisim on a Mac means Logisim-evolution, the maintained version: its 5.0.0 release has .dmg packages for both Intel (x86_64) and Apple silicon (aarch64) Macs with the Java runtime included, so there is nothing else to install. Other desktop options run on macOS too: Helmut Neemann's Digital (a Java application that needs a Java runtime), Analog Devices' LTspice (a free SPICE simulator with a macOS download), Qucs-S (installable through Homebrew) and the command-line ngspice. One older simulator does not: Atanua's only Mac build is for PowerPC Macs. And several simulators run in any Mac browser: Falstad's CircuitJS for analog circuits, CircuitVerse and logisim.app (classic Logisim 2.7.2 in the browser) for logic. Pick a native app if your course needs its file format; otherwise a browser simulator works the same on every Mac.
Which one to use on a Mac
For a course that uses Logisim, install Logisim-evolution from its GitHub releases (choose the aarch64 .dmg on an M-series Mac). For Digital, install a Java runtime first. For analog circuits, LTspice has a native Mac version, and Qucs-S gives a schematic editor over ngspice. With nothing to install, Falstad CircuitJS, CircuitVerse or the browser Logisim described on our Logisim online page. (digiwleea is an independent project, not affiliated with any of these tools.)
A browser option built for learning
digiwleea runs in Safari, Chrome or Firefox on any Mac, Intel or Apple silicon, with nothing to install and no Java. It is a digital logic lab that starts below the gates: you wire NMOS and PMOS transistors into NOT and NAND, then build adders, latches, registers, RAM and an 8-bit CPU that runs a stored program, through a 40+ level course where every part is checked against its truth table, with an AI tutor (Wleea). It does not open Logisim .circ files; for a course that grades .circ files, use Logisim-evolution.
Mac options side by side
| Simulates | On a Mac | |
|---|---|---|
| Logisim-evolution | Digital logic | .dmg for Intel and Apple silicon, Java included |
| Digital | Digital logic | Java application (install a Java runtime) |
| LTspice | Analog SPICE | Native macOS download |
| Qucs-S | Analog, through ngspice and others | Homebrew |
| Atanua | Digital logic | Old PowerPC Macs only |
| Falstad CircuitJS | Analog and digital | In the browser |
| CircuitVerse | Digital logic | In the browser |
| digiwleea | Digital logic from transistors to a CPU | In the browser |
No sign-up is needed to start: open the lab and place your first transistor, or read the free theory course. The account (and the AI tutor) are optional.
More comparisons: Logic simulators
See for yourself: build a logic gate from transistors in the simulator, then follow the path from sand to an 8-bit CPU.
Open the digiwleea lab →Frequently asked
Can I run Logisim on a Mac?
Yes. Logisim-evolution 5.0.0 has .dmg packages for Intel (x86_64) and Apple silicon (aarch64) Macs that include the Java runtime. There is also a browser version of classic Logisim, logisim.app.
Which Logisim download is for an M1, M2 or M3 Mac?
The aarch64 .dmg from the Logisim-evolution releases page; the x86_64 .dmg is for Intel Macs.
Is there a circuit simulator for Mac that needs no install?
Yes. Browser simulators such as Falstad's CircuitJS, CircuitVerse and digiwleea run in Safari, Chrome or Firefox on any Mac.